Tyson Foods to expand Tennessee poultry operation, employ 300
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More than 300 jobs will be created by the project, which is expected to be complete by mid-2019.
The project, set to begin this fall, will increase capacity to the plant’s existing harvest area, add processing lines, as well as upgrades to supporting operations at the hatchery, feed mill and in transportation. About 25,000 square feet will be added to the plant facility.
In order to meet the new capacity of the facility, Tyson Foods estimates nearly 200 more broiler chicken houses will need to be built in northwestern Tennessee within the next two years.
Independent farmers who may want to grow for Tyson Foods are encouraged to visit the Grow With Tyson website to learn more about the process and make initial contact with the company.
The Union City plant and related operations were built by Tyson Foods and opened in 1997.
It makes partially fried chicken products for food service. The facility employs more than 1,000 people and paid nearly $32 million in wages during its 2016 fiscal year.
Annual payout for farmers who raise chickens for the plant was more than $15 million.
The company also operates facilities in Goodlettsville, Newbern and Shelbyville, Tennesseeemploying about 5,000 in the state with an annual payroll of more than $181 million.
Tyson Foods paid Tennessee poultry growers more than $61 million in its 2016 fiscal year and estimates its total statewide impact to be $313 million. ■